What Are Well-known Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease?
10/6/2023
The condition of liver disease is a common ailment represented by the quantity of overabundance of fat in a person’s liver cells. This could be the result of excessive alcohol or it even can show up in individuals who drink little to no alcohol. This disease may not present signs in its beginning stages, but if left untreated, it can lead to grave liver troubles. At Arizona Digestive Health, GI providers provide experienced treatment for fatty liver disease. Read on as we go over the general signs of fatty liver disease, how it can be diagnosed and managed, and how our gastrointestinal specialists in Arizona can assist.
What are the common signs and symptoms of fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease is most often split into two categories: alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recognizing the first signs of fatty liver disease is important for timely treatment and management. Symptoms could include:
- Liver swelling
- A high count of enzymes in the liver
- Fatigue and feeling weak
- Unintentional weight loss
- Abdominal pain
Should you find yourself dealing with any of the listed signs and symptoms or if you have additional issues with your liver health, we advise you to contact one of our Arizona Digestive Health GI locations in Arizona.
How is fatty liver disease discovered?
The diagnosis of fatty liver disease generally involves your medical history, a physical examination, and specialized tests. Our Arizona providers often start by discussing your symptoms and your lifestyle, then a physical examination to evaluate for liver inflammation. Blood tests let us evaluate liver function and enzymes, establishing abnormalities that may suggest fatty liver disease. Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, can allow our GI specialists to get a look at your liver and find the accumulation of fat. Sometimes, a biopsy of the liver could be performed in order to determine a diagnosis. Quick and correct detection of the disease is crucial for determining suitable care and fatty liver disease treatment plans.
What treatments are offered for fatty liver disease?
Our treatment of fatty liver disease generally will focus on managing the underlying issues and lifestyle elements that play a part in fatty liver disease. This could include any of the approaches listed below:
- Scheduled check-ups: Routine monitoring allows our team of GI specialists to track the progress of the disease and change your treatment as necessary.
- Medications/Medicines: Select medications could be prescribed to help control any conditions that contribute to fatty liver disease, including diabetes and high cholesterol.
- Lifestyle modifications: Lifestyle changes might include quitting alcohol, adopting a healthier diet, creating a workout routine, and attaining a healthier weight (if suggested by your doctor).
A liver transplant may be advised in serious cases, including when substantial damage to the liver has ensued.
How might this condition alter one’s life?
Life expectancy with fatty liver disease could be influenced by various factors, such as the form of fatty liver disease you have and when it was found. Without treatment, the disease may progress to a more alarming liver problem, like liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. With appropriate treatment, however, a good number of patients are successful in managing fatty liver disease effectually and often continue to maintain a standard lifespan.
Access care for fatty liver disease in Arizona
If you or a loved one has been experiencing symptoms of fatty liver disease, please immediately seek professional help. Our dedicated team at Arizona Digestive Health is ready to provide you with state-of-the-art fatty liver disease treatments. By utilizing a patient-centered technique, we aspire to help you manage this condition and improve the health of your liver. Take the first step toward increased wellness. Contact one of our locations in Arizona to request a consultation.